Brewing returns to Wetherby after 100 years

A local group of real ale lovers are set to bring brewing back to Wetherby after an absence of almost a century, with the opening of a new microbrewery on York Road.

“You can perhaps consider us more of a nanobrewery than a microbrewery” states Sean White, Head Brewer and founding partner. “Initially we’ll be focussing on traditional cask and bottled ales, but we’re also looking forward to producing some exciting American influenced craft beers. Sean continues “It’s true to say that we’ll be brewing on a very small scale, but this allows us to be very creative. Going forward, we’re planning on brewing a range of different beer styles for our customers, many of whom we hope will be Wetherby residents”.

Sean’s business partner and co-founder Tom Roberts adds “We’re a small independent company, and so it was really important we chose the right location for our business. We looked at several locations around Yorkshire, and Wetherby ticked all the boxes”,

Tom continues, “We also wanted to establish a name for our beers that local residents could identify with, whilst at the same time giving a nod to Wetherby’s original brewery, which was located where the bus station now stands. We felt the best way to do this was to incorporate the town’s name and bridge in to our logo and bottle designs”,

Tom’s business partner, co-Director and father, Ivan Roberts comments “We pride ourselves on being a friendly local business. We will be operating ‘hands on’ brewery experience days, and next year we’re planning on opening a bottle shop and tap room on weekends”.

The new venture will be known as the Wetherby Brew Co and was officially opened for business on Friday 8th December by Wetherby Town Mayor, Councillor Norma Harrington and Alec Shelbrooke MP, whose constituency office is based in the town.

“It’s great to see brewing returning to Wetherby in the form of an independent business, bringing new job opportunities to my constituency. I wish the Wetherby Brew Co every success and I look forward to following their progress and enjoying their beer!” stated Mr Shelbrooke.

The brewery will be opening its doors to the public on 16th,17th, 22nd and 23rd December where local residents will be able to take a brewery tour, sample beers brewed on the premises and purchase gift packs and bottled beers to take home.

The initial range of beers on offer will include ‘Wetherby Blonde’, ‘Wetherby Gold’, ‘Wetherby Bitter’, ‘Wetherby Classic’ and ‘Wetherby Porter’.

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EDITORS NOTES

1. Wetherby Brew Co is a wholly independent business and not affiliated with any other company.2. The business was founded in 2017.3. The business will be selling to both trade and public.4. Malt is sourced locally from Thomas Fawcett & Sons in Castleford.

“For many years Wetherby was home to Wharfedale Brewery which became Oxley’s mineral water factory during the inter-war years. The factory was demolished in the 1950s, with the chimney being imploded in 1959. and was redeveloped as the West Yorkshire bus depot and bus station, and has since been further redeveloped to include shops, offices, and a restaurant in addition to the bus station. The nearby watermill, which was situated by the weir, is now the site of luxury riverside flats“.